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Lothbury’s plans for Oxford’s Clarendon Centre approved by City Council

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Clarendon Centre Oxford - Cornmarket Entrance
Clarendon Centre entrance onto Cornmarket

Ambitious development plans for Oxford’s Clarendon Centre put forward by Lothbury Investment Management have been approved by Oxford City Council at a meeting of the Planning Committee.

The proposals focus on partially demolishing the centre and transforming it into a new 226,547 sq ft mixed-use scheme comprising R&D laboratories, Grade A office space and student accommodation, as well as shops and restaurants.

The laboratory space comprises 50,279 sq ft, office space 103,259 sq ft, student accommodation 50,147 sq ft and retail and café space 22,862 sq ft. All units will be built to high sustainability standards.

The plans for the Clarendon Centre also include a new public square that will be created in the middle of the centre. The square will be open to all complete with pedestrian and cycle links and providing access to Frewin Court.

The redevelopment would also give the public access to a rooftop, where cafes and restaurants would be located – helping to make this a lively and enjoyable space.

Clarendon Centre entrance onto Queen Street
Clarendon Centre entrance onto Queen Street
An artist’s impression of a Clarendon Square, a new public square at Oxford’s Clarendon Centre
An artist’s impression of a Clarendon Square, a new public square at Oxford’s Clarendon Centre

Adam Smith, Executive Director of Lothbury Investment Management, said: “The Clarendon Centre is to undergo a major change of use, which will transform Oxford city centre.

“This is an exciting opportunity to create a new work/life hub, bringing together academics, researchers, students and the local community in the city centre. We are delighted that the councillors have supported our proposals and shared our vision for the future of Oxford city”.

The redevelopment will include world-class laboratory space in partnership with Oxford Science Enterprises to provide serviced incubator accommodation for the burgeoning university spin-out sector, as well as offices and purpose-built student accommodation.

The planning application was submitted in January 2021. Work on redeveloping the Clarendon Centre is expected to begin this year, with the first phase completed by the end of 2024.

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